Hummus Trail

Hummus Trail Latest News

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Palestinian rights organisation, recently filed a war crimes complaint against Israeli soldier Eitan Gilboa, traced in India’s popular ‘Hummus Trail’ hotspots.

About Hummus Trail

• It is a term coined to denote the travel route through India most frequented by Israelis, particularly post-military service. 
• Every year, around 80,000 Israelis visit India, a large number of them young veterans who have been discharged from the mandatory Israeli army service. 
• This trip, known as the Tiul Gadol, could last up to 6 months or a year and is mainly funded by the bonus they receive after serving in the army.
• From the north to the south of the country, there are several areas which are frequented by Israelis, and this is colloquially known as the ‘Hummus trail in India’. 
• The Hummus Trail starts from the Union Territory of Leh and Ladakh, moves further to Kasol (also known as mini-Israel), Bhaghshu, Dharamkot, Tosh, and Kullu in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh. 
• It also includes remote areas like Kalga, Pulga and Talga, which are known for their ‘Israeli settlements’. 
• It connects the Hindu religious places of Mathura and Vrindavan and moves towards Pushkar in Rajasthan. 
• In South India, South Goa and Gokarna are popular for their tropical beaches; the trail also moves to Vattakanal near Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.
• In these places frequented by Israelis, one can observe several changes to the cultural landscape. 
  • It is common to see signs in Hebrew, posters promoting the Israeli Defence Forces, along with cafes, stores and hostels run by Israelis. 
  • According to a 2020 study published, drug abuse and rave parties are common along the Hummus trail, with drug peddling cases on the rise in these regions.
  • The study found that to cope with mental health challenges faced by these veterans during their service in the army, they resort to high drug consumption. 
  • Mental health workers from Israel have also been sent to India to aid these reservists.

News: TH

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